Potassium News and Research

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Sodium intake varies across racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.

Almost all adults in the U.S. consume more sodium (salt) than recommended, yet the sources and use of sodium vary among people of different races and ethnicities, indicating the need for culturally customized advice about sodium intake, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.

28 May 2025

Which diet lowers blood pressure more: keto or Mediterranean?

A pilot study comparing a low-calorie, high-protein ketogenic diet and a Mediterranean diet in overweight and obese adults with elevated blood pressure found that both diets led to significant weight loss, improved body composition, and reduced blood pressure. Both dietary approaches were safe and well-tolerated, but the Mediterranean diet group showed a greater proportion of participants with healthy nocturnal blood pressure dipping.

26 May 2025

Mount Sinai researchers explore new depression treatment targeting brain’s potassium channels

A mechanism involving potassium channels in the brain that control brain cell activity could provide a new and fundamentally different way of treating depression symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder, according to two complementary papers published recently by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

21 May 2025

GLP-1 weight loss drugs leave users low on key nutrients, study finds

This study assessed nutrient intake in adults using GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and found widespread deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. Despite appetite suppression and weight loss benefits, most participants exceeded fat intake recommendations and failed to meet protein and micronutrient needs.

14 May 2025

Chokeberry juice reduces blood vessel resistance in people with pre-diabetes

A German crossover trial found that drinking polyphenol-rich red berry juice improved peripheral resistance and helped preserve muscle mass in pre-diabetic adults. No significant changes were seen in glucose control or oxidative stress over the 14-day interventions.

12 May 2025

How nutritious is dried Gapal? Study reveals its strengths and one hidden weakness

Researchers analyzed the nutritional composition of dried Gapal, a traditional fermented milk-cereal food from Burkina Faso, revealing its high carbohydrate and mineral content. Despite its nutritional potential, high phytic acid levels may limit mineral bioavailability, especially for zinc.

7 May 2025

New micropipette allows precise ion delivery to individual brain cells

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new type of pipette that can deliver ions to individual neurons without affecting the sensitive extracellular milieu.

7 May 2025

Genetic variation found to influence tumor microbiota and colorectal cancer progression

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. While scientists believe that gut microbiota play an important role in both the onset and progression of CRC, emerging evidence points to the significance of intratumoral microbiota-microbiota inside tumors-in CRC progression.

29 Apr 2025

N-acetylcysteine protects against acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity

Oxidative stress could be a key process in acyclovir (ACV)-induced nephrotoxicity. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a water-soluble antioxidant with anti-inflammatory activity.

18 Apr 2025

Modified Japanese diet shows promise for lowering blood pressure, study finds

A study of 12,213 Japanese workers found no link between hypertension and the traditional Japanese diet, but a modified version emphasizing whole grains, fruits, and dairy showed a potential protective effect. The findings highlight how modernizing traditional diets with nutrient-rich foods may combat high blood pressure.

16 Apr 2025

Low vitamin D levels damage erectile health via superoxide surge, study finds

Vitamin D deficiency directly causes erectile dysfunction by increasing superoxide and reducing protective SLPI levels, as shown in human tissue and animal models. This breakthrough reveals why low vitamin D may lead to poor sexual health and resistance to standard ED treatments.

15 Apr 2025

Want lower blood pressure? Pass the bananas, not the salt

Research shows that dietary potassium plays a vital role in blood pressure regulation, emphasizing the need for a balanced intake of sodium and potassium.

15 Apr 2025

Eating more potassium-rich foods may be effective for lowering blood pressure

New research from the University of Waterloo suggests increasing the ratio of dietary potassium to sodium intake may be more effective for lowering blood pressure than simply reducing sodium intake.

14 Apr 2025

What really causes keto flu, and how can you prevent it?

A scoping review from the University of Bergen identifies a wide range of transient symptoms—collectively known as "keto flu"—that occur during the initiation of a ketogenic diet. The review explores their physiological basis and highlights strategies, such as MCTs and electrolyte supplementation, to ease the transition.

13 Apr 2025

Are food additives linked to type 2 diabetes?

This study identifies food additive mixtures associated with higher type 2 diabetes risk, urging a reevaluation of safety assessments for combined additives.

10 Apr 2025

Exophiala pneumonia identified in immunocompetent woman with lung disease

Exophiala, a genus of saprotrophic black fungi commonly found in the environment, is typically associated with cutaneous infections in immunocompromised hosts and rarely manifests as pneumonia.

9 Apr 2025

Study links food additive mixtures to increased risk of type 2 diabetes

Food additive mixtures are an everyday feature of our diets, especially through ultra-processed foods.

9 Apr 2025

Laughing gas can potentially transform treatment for tough-to-beat depression

Nitrous oxide-better known as "laughing gas"-can potentially transform treatment for tough-to-beat depression.

3 Apr 2025

Investigational drug lorundrostat offers significant blood pressure drop compared with placebo

Among patients with uncontrolled hypertension, the investigational drug lorundrostat brought a significant reduction in blood pressure at 12 weeks compared with placebo, according to a study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session.

31 Mar 2025

Strawberries enhance brain speed and heart health, but cognitive benefits remain unclear

Strawberries may modestly enhance processing speed and lower systolic blood pressure in older adults, but they do not significantly improve overall cognitive function or vascular health.

19 Mar 2025